Chapter 25

CHAPTER XXV.
GERAINT, THE SON OF ERBIN, CONTINUED. GERAINT, as he had been used to do when he was at Arthur's court,
frequented tournaments. And he became acquainted with valiant and
mighty men, until he had gained as much fame there as he had
formerly done elsewhere. And he enriched his court, and his
companions, and his nobles, with the best horses and the best arms,
and with the best and most valuable jewels, and he ceased not until
his fame had flown over the face of the whole kingdom. When he knew
that it was thus, he began to love ease and pleasure, for there was no
one who was worth his opposing. And he loved his wife, and liked to
continue in the palace, with minstrelsy and diversions. So he began to
shut himself up in the chamber of his wife, and he took no delight
in anything besides, insomuch that he gave up the friendship of his
nobles, together with his hunting and his amusements, and lost the
hearts of all the host in his court. And there was murmuring and
scoffing concerning him among the inhabitants of the palace, on
account of his relinquishing so completely their companionship for the
love of his wife. These tidings came to Erbin. And when Erbin had
heard these things, he spoke unto Enid, and inquired of her whether it
was she that had caused Geraint to act thus, and to forsake his people
and his hosts. "Not I, by my confession unto heaven," said she; "there
is nothing more hateful unto me than this." And she knew not what
she should do, for, although it was hard for her to own this to
Geraint, yet was it not more easy for her to listen to what she heard,
without warning Geraint concerning it. And she was very sorrowful.
One morning in the summer-time they were upon their couch, and
Geraint lay upon the edge of it. And Enid was without sleep in the
apartment, which had windows of glass;* and the sun shone upon the
couch. And the clothes had slipped from off his arms and his breast,
and he was asleep. Then she gazed upon the marvellous beauty of his
appearance, and she said, "Alas! and am I the cause that these arms
and this breast have lost their glory, and the warlike fame which they
once so richly enjoyed?" As she said this the tears dropped from her
eyes, and they fell upon his breast. And the tears she shed, and the
words she had spoken awoke him. And another thing contributed to
awaken him, and that was the idea that it was not in thinking of him
that she spoke thus, but that it was because she loved some other more
than him, and that she wished for other society. Thereupon Geraint was
troubled in his mind, and he called his squire; and when he came to
him, "Go quickly," said he, and prepare my horse and my arms, and make
them ready. And do thou arise," said he to Enid, "and apparel